Test-Taking Strategies That Work for All Students

Test preparation needs to be an on-going activity and part of regular classroom instruction integrated into all subjects. Dr. Lourdes gives advice to school stakeholders. This PowerPoint may be used by schools with permission from Dr. Lourdes. Sponsored by www.drlourdes.net

What can teachers do to help students experience success in any testing

What does research indicate about students who are successful in testing situations?
• Have positive self-esteem • Have greater self-confidence in their abilities • Do not feel intimidated by tests • Feel well prepared for tests • Are persistent with regard to their school work and doing well on tests • Have been exposed to a variety

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• Are more “test-wise” than their peers • Understand the importance and purpose of testing • Recognize the relevance of testing to instruction • Know how test results will be used

Test preparation needs to be an on-going activity and part of regular classroom instruction integrated into

“Teachers must go beyond “telling” students what to do. Students should be provided with ample classroom opportunities to experience using strategies required to be successful in Dr. Lourdes Ferrer any testing

Dr. Lourdes Ferrer

1. Expect good results and model a positive attitude. 2. Use motivational activities and provide incentives. 3. Discuss the purpose and relevance of the

8. Anticipate and deal with test anxiety. 9. Provide reassurance that they have covered the content and skills measured by the test. 10. Provide feedback on results.

11. Become a skilled test developer.
• Know the CONTENT being tested • Be aware of the OBJECTIVES/STANDARDS being tested • Know/understand the STUDENTS (SWD, ELL, etc.) being tested • Have/Develop skills in WRITTEN COMMUNICATION • State’s Accountability item • Know the FORMAT of Know TECHNIQUES ofTest writing (AYP) – types of test items • Know how to ALIGN the classroom assessment with the State’s Accountability Test

12. Take the test or do the assignment BEFORE administering to the students. 13. Create and “test” the scoring guide or rubric BEFORE administering the test to the

14. Involve students in their own test development process, including the rubric and/or scoring guide.

15. Provide students with articles or passages that:

• Are NOT from the textbook; • Are related to the content and benchmark being covered; • Come with questions similar to the items on the State’s Accountability Test; • Are at the appropriate reading level (SRI/Lexile); and,

• Have the appropriate NOTE: Students need to practice answering size. length and font questions about “something” they just read for the first time under the pressure of time.

16. Teach the following NINE test-taking strategies and provide students with ample opportunities to practice them in classroom. 1. Following directions closely 2. Budgeting time appropriately 3. Checking work carefully 4. Reading the entire stem and ALL answer 5.choices Answering easier questions first and persisting to the end

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6. Making educated guesses 7. Using “real test-liked” item formats for practice 8. Reviewing the practice items and answer choices with the teacher or other students 9. Practicing using answer sheets

17. Reward and celebrate success.
“It is always important to reward and celebrate academic success. It is great for the spirit and for a student’s willingness to keep trying.”
Ms. Stafford, Principal Forest Hill Community High School Palm Beach County School District